Philadelphia Flyers World Cup Snubs Not All Bad
World Cup of Hockey rosters were announced, and many fans are unhappy that certain Philadelphia Flyers were left out. But it may be a blessing in disguise.
Late last month, the teams participating in the reborn World Cup of Hockey announced the first 16 players selected to their rosters. Philadelphia Flyers fans and experts alike sneered at the apparent snubbing of team captain Claude Giroux and defenseman rookie sensation Shayne Gostisbehere. But it actually may be for the best.
Look, Sean Couturier, Jake Voracek, Michal Neuvirth, Radko Gudas and Mark Streit are representing their regions and nations (Team North America, the Czech Republic, and Team Europe respectively) so the Philly faithful have plenty of important pieces representing the orange and black.
It’s understandable that Flyers fans want to see due recognition be given to their star center and young blueliner, but the doors aren’t sealed shut as the teams will announce the remaining seven players later on in June. Gostisbehere may still make the North American or United States team and Giroux will likely be one of the first players Canada calls should injury issues come about.
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But there’s a problem with sending too many players to Toronto to play in the September round robin and tournament. These games won’t be the preseason. They won’t be training camp. Guys like Voracek and Couturier aren’t going to be shielded or going half speed. They’ll be playing with a purpose: to win the first World Cup since 2004.
That means bigger hits, faster play and greater chance of injury. Look at what happened with John Tavares in the last Olympics. His injury cost him the rest of the season and Islanders general manager Garth Snow was fit to be tied. Imagine that for the Flyers, but to start the season.
Aside from increased risk of injury, fans also need to remember these aren’t All-Star teams. The managers are done trying to wedge conflicting talents together. That team building strategy failed in Nagano and Turin.
However, Canada’s recent methodology has worked wonderfully the past few Olympics, especially in 2014 when they were suffocating on defense. Adding a guy like Jeff Carter over Giroux doesn’t mean Carter is “better.” It means Team Canada’s front office thinks Carter can be more versatile on a roster loaded with centers. Carter can play wing. Canada is used to Carter.
Giroux has played some wing, but he is a center and it’s been awhile since he’s strayed from the middle. Canada isn’t used to Giroux either. Clout and comfort are definitely factors when it comes to player selection.
While it’s admittedly discouraging to see Giroux get snubbed, it’s not the worst thing that could happen. That would be Giroux going to Toronto, getting hurt and missing half (or more) of the season.
Instead of seeing this as a bad thing, Flyers fans can take solace in the fact Giroux can practice more with his teammates and save his energy for the NHL season and be fresher for a potential playoff run. Seeing Giroux or Gostisbehere at the World Cup would be exciting, but having them healthy for the whole Philadelphia Flyers season is better.